Beer Forum

I have a 2+year old 50 lb bag of Briess 2-row pale malt that I have kept in my basement (50-75F) during my hiatus from homebrewing. Listening to TBN has got me brewing again and I want to know if I should dump the grain or whether its OK to use.

Its smells and tastes fine, but will grain stored this long and at temps between 50-75F still be good for brewing. I will probably dump it and get a new bag, but cheap homebrewer that I am, I hate to dump it.

Well, it's free so brew with it and taste the results.

Keep in mind that Barley purchased in August is a year old (same with hops). If stored like you have, it should be in fine condition.

As long as it stayed dry and is not moldy, and it smells and tastes good like you said, then brew with it. Just check it thoroughly if you're nervous.

Should be ok. You said it smells and tastes fine and that's the best indicator. If it has a crisp texture when you chew it and not rubbery that's also a good thing to look for.

-- Gary F.

Why don't you send me the bag o grain and I'll tell you how my beer turns out. Of course, you'll have to cover the shipping charges.